AFTER undergoing a routine knee operation, complications during the procedure could have been a lot worse for a former borough councillor.

Anne Court represented the Kempshott ward and had been a borough councillor for 23 years, but has had to step away from the role due to national legislation.

Having undergone the operation, Anne was expected to have a six-week recovery period and would be back carrying out her duties as a councillor.

However, blood clots formed in her left knee which stopped the blood flow going to her foot ,meaning Anne and her husband Richard faced the real possibility she would have to have part of her leg amputated.

She told The Gazette: “After the initial operation I was back out on crutches in about a day-and-a-half.

“Then three weeks later, it began to cause me a bit of pain. My husband spoke to the consultant and we had to go to Frimley Hospital where I was told that my leg was basically dying.”

Anne had to undergo a second operation where she had a total femoral bypass, which has be able to restore the flow of blood to her leg, but it has meant she has been unable to attend council meetings for the past six months.

Due to legislation, this absence means she has ceased to be one of the borough councillors for Kempshott.

But even in her recovery, she wants to be around helping residents.

She added: “If I can be at the end of the phone or an e-mail, I am still going to help those people that need my advice.

“I thoroughly enjoy the role of being a councillor, it is just a case that I haven’t been able to get into the civic offices.”

As Anne’s seat is now technically vacant, a by-election will be held on June 21, which she hopes she will be selected for.

Basingstoke Conservative Group leader Councillor Simon Bound said: “I am pleased to see Anne in much better health in the past few weeks and look forward to welcoming her back as a councillor in the very near future.”